Starting your transition – Resources (hormones, therapists, etc.): South Africa

* “LGBTQIA+, Transgender and Queer” includes trans, transsexual, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender diverse people, crossdressers, ALL genders and non-genders, and ALL sexual orientations (asexual, pansexual, bisexual, etc.)

This journey is NOT an easy one, but many people say that once they live as themselves and stop living a lie, the relief and freedom of being themselves outweigh, or at least balance the difficulty of the journey. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

The reality that we live in a world that does not understand LGBQIA+ and specifically Trans, Queer and people who do not conform to gender or sexual orientation norms is very real. And so is the stigma. The fear of reaching out for any medical, social or psychological treatment is very common and understandable, and there is not one person in this community who has not avoided asking for help as we often face discrimination and emotional and/or psychological and/or physical violence.

But, there is help out there. Please continue to empower yourself by knowing you are NOT alone. Reach out for help. Support each other. While expecting discrimination, also allow for the fact that you might get the help you need. We need to build the society we need to help us by ourselves by working with the system as it is, and by finding and sharing people out there who are willing to listen and help.

• This list is FAR from complete and will continue to be updated in collaboration with the resources listed below and the many activists working to improve healthcare for LGBTQIA+, Trans and Queer people. It is in the process of being updated to distinguish between general and trans-specific gender-affirming healthcare for previously disadvantaged rural and urban communities who cannot afford healthcare, and rural and urban communities who can afford healthcare and/or have medical aid.
• This list would not have been possible without the input of countless, tireless and dedicated activists, allies and resources in South Africa. 
• As stated above, the support and healthcare spaces for LGBTQIA+, Trans and Queer people are not ideal, but they are improving and growing in number each day. This improvement and growth is also very much dependent on your help, so please, if you know of more resources, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources below know.

EVERYONE on this list has been referred by LGBTQIA+, trans and queer people or trans- and queer-friendly medical professionals. So they are ALL great. But, if you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know.

Another resource list drawn up by medical practitioners in the LGBTIQA+ field: https://ctrlaltsex.co.za/

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CHEST BINDERS

• The only binders made in South Africa. R450 and posted to you via courier. Highly recommended. Website: transbindersftm.co.za

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SOUTH AFRICA & AFRICA

• Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) – Pan-African intersex, lesbian, gay, trans and intersex rights organisation.

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CAPE TOWN

NGOs, General LGBTQIA+ resources 
(ALL have been recommended by trans/LGBTQIA+ community and are trans-friendly and queer-friendly. If you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know).

• GenderDynamiX – Oldest transgender resource in South Africa.
• Triangle Project – Clinic, support group and psychotherapy in Cape Town.
• Protea Psychosocial Support Project for Trans People – To establish an environment in which superior quality psychosocial care services can be rendered to improve the lives of trans people. 073 636 7470, http://www.ppsptp.org.za/
• MySexualHealth: CanNOT recommend this practice highly enough! They have the most trans-friendly space I’ve EVER encountered. Psychologists, GPs, sexologists, psychiatrists, STI & HIV testing, Lancet with trans-friendly nurse, support groups, etc. etc. Practices in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. More expensive than most, but SO worth it if you can afford it.
• Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) – Pan-African intersex, lesbian, gay, trans and intersex rights organisation.
• Trans Wellness Project – There are many organisations in South Africa, and Africa at large, that are focused on advocacy and lobbying for the human rights of trans people. Trans Wellness Project focuses on psychosocial support. 1192 Calcrete Street, Lutzville, Vredendal, West Coast, Western Cape. 0736367470. director.twp@gmail.com
• UCT: The Trans Collective. #TheTransCollective is a transfeminist movement which positions confronting toxic gender constructs as indispensable to the decolonisation project within and beyond UCT. Politically, we are grounded in critical black theory, black consciousness and identity intersectionality. transfeministcollective@gmail.com

GPs, Endocrinologists (HRT) and general healthcare
(ALL have been recommended by trans/LGBTQIA+ community and are trans-friendly and queer-friendly. If you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know).

• Dr Anastacia Tomson – Anastacia is trans herself. She treats patients from anywhere in South Africa. doc.tomson@gmail.com / (021) 439-6060.

• Dr Elma De Vries – elmadv@cybersmart.co.za / 0828286259
• MySexualHealth: Headed by Dr Elna Rudolph. CanNOT recommend this practice highly enough! They have the most trans-friendly space I’ve EVER encountered. Psychologists, GPs, sexologists, psychiatrists, STI & HIV testing, Lancet with trans-friendly nurse, support groups, etc. etc. Practices in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. More expensive than most, but SO worth it if you can afford it.
• Dr Carol Goedhals – 021 553 1030
• Dr Steven Cornell – rccsteve@viamediswitch.co.za, 021 689 5141
• Dr Irma Louw – 021 686 6130
• Dr Lindy Dickson – Lindy.Dickson-Hall@uct.ac.za / www.dicksonhall.co.za
• Groote Schuur (if you do not have medical aid and/or )

Mental Healthcare: Psychologists, therapists, counsellors, psychiatrists, etc.
(ALL have been recommended by trans/LGBTQIA+ community and are trans-friendly and queer-friendly. If you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know).

• Adele Marais – adele.marais@uct.ac.za
• Ronald Addinall – Triangle Project and ron.addinall@uct.ac.za
• Claire Jaynes – Counselling Psychologist, Library Square, Wilderness Road, 7708 Cape Town, cjaynespsych@gmail.com
• MySexualHealth: Headed by Dr Elna Rudolph. CanNOT recommend this practice highly enough! They have the most trans-friendly space I’ve EVER encountered. Psychologists, GPs, sexologists, psychiatrists, STI & HIV testing, Lancet with trans-friendly nurse, support groups, etc. etc. Practices in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. More expensive than most, but SO worth it if you can afford it.
• Sharon McKenzie – Psychologist. Sunningdale Western Cape. Skype sessions for those who need them. sharonmckenzie14@gmail.com

Electrolysis

• Pamela Dybala, Specialist Clinical Electrologist, for body hair removal, specialising in hair removal of the donor site and genitals before gender reassignment surgery. 208 Library Square, Wilderness Road, Claremont, Cape Town. pameladybala@gmail.com. 011 054 1064, 083 403 5111, Facebook. Rates: R110 for 5 minutes.

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EASTERN CAPE

NGOs, General LGBTQIA+ resources
(ALL have been recommended by trans/LGBTQIA+ community and are trans-friendly and queer-friendly. If you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know).

• S.H.E. – Social, Health and Empowerment Feminist Collective of Transgender Women of Africa – The first transfeminist space led by trans women and trans feminine people in South Africa. East London.
• For more resources, refer to Cape Town list.

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GAUTENG

NGOs, General LGBTQIA+ resources
(ALL have been recommended by trans/LGBTQIA+ community and are trans-friendly and queer-friendly. If you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know).

• Iranti.Org – Gay and Trans* rights group in Johannesburg, South Africa. Helpful to have on your side in legal battles and other rights-related matters.
• TIA – Transgender and Intersex Africa. Pretoria, South Africa.
• CtrlAltGender – Activist and support group. Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) – Pan-African intersex, lesbian, gay, trans and intersex rights organisation.
• Anova Health Institute: Specifically for gay men, but have a Health4Trans department which is on Facebook.
• For more resources, refer to Cape Town list above.

GPs, Endocrinologists (HRT) and general healthcare
(ALL have been recommended by trans/LGBTQIA+ community and are trans-friendly and queer-friendly. If you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know).

• Dr Anastacia Tomson – Anastacia is trans herself. She treats patients from anywhere in South Africa. doc.tomson@gmail.com / (021) 439-6060.

• MySexualHealth: Headed by Dr Elna Rudolph. CanNOT recommend this practice highly enough! They have the most trans-friendly space I’ve EVER encountered. Psychologists, GPs, sexologists, psychiatrists, STI & HIV testing, Lancet with trans-friendly nurse, support groups, etc. etc. Practices in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. More expensive than most, but SO worth it if you can afford it.
• Dr Paul Timp – Address: Block B, Rochester Place, 173 Rivonia Rd, Johannesburg, 2146, Phone: 011 883 6878. (Very popular and knowledgeable, but not the best bedside manner).
• Dr Robyn Petrie, Kensington, (011) 6222317. (AMAZING! Personally recommend).
• Steve Biko, Charlotte Maxeke (JHB Gen), Baragwanath and Helen Joseph (personally recommended – Dr Kim Laxton) (if you do not have medical aid/can’t afford prices)

Mental Healthcare: Psychologists, therapists, counsellors, psychiatrists, etc.
(ALL have been recommended by trans/LGBTQIA+ community and are trans-friendly and queer-friendly. If you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know).

Most of these mental healthcare professionals are part of a working group where they meet once a month to discuss trans, LGBQIA+ and queer issues specifically, so all of them are amazing, but it’s up to you about personal fit/costs.

• MySexualHealth: Headed by Dr Elna Rudolph. CanNOT recommend this practice highly enough! They have the most trans-friendly space I’ve EVER encountered. Psychologists, GPs, sexologists, psychiatrists, STI & HIV testing, Lancet with trans-friendly nurse, support groups, etc. etc. Practices in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. More expensive than most, but SO worth it if you can afford it.
• Casey Blake – Linksfield, counsellor casey@whatnowcounselling.co.za Can personally recommend her as great! www.whatnowcounselling.co.za
  Registered Counsellor (HPCSA) Specialising in: Sexuality, Gender, Relationships, Parenting and Trauma. Counselling for parents of children who are ‘different’
  Tools for Having “The Talks” Workshop Series. The sexuality aspect is great as a trans person newly learning about having sex as a trans person.
• Jonathan Bosworth – Greenside, 083 703 5121, website; specialises in trans children
• Stephen Laverack – Cresta, Randburg, counselling psychologist; stephenlavpsych@gmail.com. Personal recommendation: a great, caring and knowledgeable psychologist.
• Fred Walter – clinical psychologist, fred@psychotherapy4me.co.za
• Steve Biko, Charlotte Maxeke (JHB Gen), Baragwanath and Helen Joseph (personally recommended – Dr Kim Laxton – head psychiatrist at Helen Joseph) if you do not have medical aid/can’t afford prices.
• Family Life Centre: (if you do not have medical aid/can’t afford prices) – very qualified psychologists, counsellors and social workers who charge fees based on your income. I can personally recommend them as I’ve seen two therapists here over the years.

Psychiatrists

• Dr Greg Jonnson – http://www.dgmc.co.za/doctor/dr-greg-jonsson. He is part of the MDT at Bara and also put together training guidelines with Anastacia Thomson last year for ANOVA.
• Dr Willem Emmenis, Auckland Park,
• Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, Canary St, Johannesburg, 2092. He also has a clinical psychologist working with him at same address: 011 489 1501
• Steve Biko, Charlotte Maxeke (JHB Gen), Baragwanath and Helen Joseph (personally recommended – Dr Kim Laxton – head psychiatrist at Helen Joseph) if you do not have medical aid/can’t afford prices.

Voice coaches / Speech therapists / Electrolysis

• Karyn Casey: Speech therapist offering voice feminisation or masculinisation services. Charges medical aid rates. Has been successful in petitioning Discovery to pay for sessions. Wits, Donald Gordon Medical Centre, 083 656 8979, skcasey@wol.co.za
• Pamela Dybala, Specialist Clinical Electrologist, for body hair removal, specialising in hair removal of the donor site and genitals before gender reassignment surgery. The Intergrative Medical Centre, 2 Eaton Road, Bryanston. Royal Retreat Wellness Centre, 1 Fairway Avenue, Linksfield North. pameladybala@gmail.com. 011 054 1064, 083 403 5111, Facebook. Rates: R110 for 5 minutes.
• JAWY Aesthetic Clinic: Electrolysis. skin@jawy.co.za, 079 385 7366,

• Ryneveld Corner Centre, 65 Van Ryneveld Ave, Centurion

For mental healthcare professionals, medical healthcare professionals or researchers who want to learn more about trans issues, language and healthcare so that they can treat LGBQIA+, queer and trans clients:

• The gender reading/working group: GIG – Gender Identity Group. Linden/Greenside/Linksfield area –genderidjhb@gmail.com

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KWA-ZULU NATAL

LGBTI Centre in Durban also hosts Monthly Support Spaces for the community. A lot of learning and referrals take place within these and more. For the next meeting date, give Ms Leh a shout on 031 312 7402, or email to info@gaycentre.org.za

GPs, Endocrinologists (HRT) and general healthcare
(ALL have been recommended by trans/LGBTQIA+ community and are trans-friendly and queer-friendly. If you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know).

• Dr Anastacia Tomson – Anastacia is trans herself. She treats patients from anywhere in South Africa. doc.tomson@gmail.com / (021) 439-6060.

• Dr Ren Steward – Hilton, private practice – 0333432270
• Endocrinologist – Greys Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, government/public – needs referral from psychologist – +27 (0) 33 897 3000

Mental Healthcare: Psychologists, therapists, counsellors, psychiatrists, etc.
(ALL have been recommended by trans/LGBTQIA+ community and are trans-friendly and queer-friendly. If you have a bad experience, please let me or any of the other NGOs and resources know).

• Chris McLachlan – clinical psychologist – working in public healthcare (Edendale Hospital) – 082 7743727
• Julia Braine (private practice – Pietermaritzburg) – clinical psychologist 082 549 0996
• Dr Jack (psychiatrist) – (private practice), Life Westville Hospital 031 251 6911

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NORTH-WEST

NGOS

• Action For Social Justice International – socialjusticeInt@gmail.com
• directorsocialjusticeINT@yahoo.com
• +27(0) 76 794 0769 Voda(WhatsApp)
• +27(0) 74 466 4487 CellC
• +27(0) 78 435 8118 MTN
• +27(0) 65 829 7289 Telkom

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ONLINE SUPPORT

• CtrlAltGender – Activist and support group. Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Genderqueer/Genderfluid SA – For non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, etc. people in South Africa on Facebook.
• FTM, Trans Men/Guys & Masculine Nonbinary ONLY 🇿🇦 – For FTM, transmasculine, masculine of centre and masculine nonbinary people ONLY . On Facebook
• Trans Women SA – a secret Facebook group for Trans Women, transfeminine, feminine of centre and feminine nonbinary people ONLY. The admins are Pi Delport, Christina Engela, Anastacia Tomson, Cameron G P Mitchell and Ronald Addinall-Van Straaten. Friend request one of these admins and send a message asking to be added to the group.
• Anova Health Institute: Specifically for gay men, which is building on including gay trans men, and they have a growing Health4Trans department which is also on Facebook.
• Wikipedia (search “gender”) a VERY helpful platform for education about gender and transgender terminology.
• Top surgery group: FTM/Nonbinary
• Instagram and Tumblr can be EXTREMELY supportive spaces as it is easier to find other people with similar stories on these platforms than on Facebook, as you can search for words like “trans”, “transgender”, “queer”, “transman”, “FTM”, “MTF”, “transman”, “transwoman”, “genderqueer”, “nonbinary”, “asexual”, “pansexual”, “agender”, “butch”, etc. and then follow people who post about those topics.
• Negative and hurtful comments and people are, unfortunately, part of social media, as they are in real life. Some ideas on how to handle these “trolls”

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FOR PARTNERS, FAMILY, FRIENDS & ALLIES

Because the journey of your LGBQIA+, Trans or Queer loved one is difficult for you as well, and we acknowledge this and know you need support in coming to terms with and learning about your loved ones’ journey.

• Wikipedia (search “gender”) is a VERY helpful starting point for education about gender and transgender terminology.
• Transgender SOFFA’s South Africa – For significant other, friends, family and allies of trans* people in South Africa.
• Crossdreamers – Online resources for partners of transgender people.
• Or just search Facebook for “trans”, “partners”, “FTM”, “MTF”, “transgender” – trigger warning that A LOT of inappropriate and scary groups will come up, but look for ones with the words “partners” in the title. (A South African trans partner support group is being started soon. I’ll let you know once it has started).
• MySexualHealth: Headed by Dr Elna Rudolph. CanNOT recommend this practice highly enough! They have the most trans-friendly space I’ve EVER encountered. Psychologists, GPs, sexologists, psychiatrists, STI & HIV testing, Lancet with trans-friendly nurse, support groups, etc. etc. Practices in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. More expensive than most, but SO worth it if you can afford it.
• All of the psychologists, and other mental healthcare professionals mentioned above.

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MORE RESOURCES:

• GENDER–AFFIRMING SURGERIES AT HELEN JOSEPH, JOHANNESBURG, THE
• PROCESS FOR TOP SURGERY AT HELEN JOSEPH,
  
• CROWDFUNDING, and
  
• ONLINE RESOURCES FOR RESEARCHING TOP SURGERY & OTHER RESOURCES FOR TRANS MEN, PEOPLE WANTING TO START TESTOSTERONE